Daily Reading: 22 August
(from www.christianaid.org.uk)
Your Un-prayers - answered!
When Jesus entered Peter's house, he saw his mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever; he touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she got up and began to serve him. That evening they brought to him many who were possessed by demons; and he cast out the spirits with a word, and cured all who were sick. This was to fulfil what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah, 'He took our infirmities and bore our diseases.'
- Matthew 8:14-17 New Revised Standard Version.
Something to read
Something to think about
Jesus' healing ministry took its toll on him. When the woman who secretly touched the edge of his clothing was healed, Jesus felt power drain out of him. Just imagine what it did to him to spend a whole evening healing all who came to him and driving out demons. No wonder Matthew quotes Isaiah as prophesying about Christ 'bearing' our diseases. It was hard work.
For all that, Jesus was not a passive force – only responding to requests, only accepting this burden when petitioned. Neither Peter nor his mother-in-law apparently expressed any faith or request for help. But this lady is on Jesus' heart nonetheless. And in a lovely twist, she serves him the food he will need to see him through a long evening.
Our relationship to the poor today can be a passive one. When there's a disaster, when we are asked, we will shoulder part of the burden of care. This is not the spirit of Christ, the zealous spirit that consumed him, and it is not the spirit of Christian Aid. But we, too, can trust in the providence of God to see us through.
Something to do
At the end of today, think back over the day and notice when God has answered your un-prayers – where he has met a need you did not refer to him.
Something to pray
Merciful God, thank you that you are not passive in relation to your world today. Thank you that you know what we need before we ask, and that you sometimes meet our needs without our asking. Help me to be active in the world like you are, and when it is hard work, help me to trust in your gracious provision.
Prayer for East Africa
After the worst drought in 40 years, millions of people across East Africa are facing the threat of famine.
Today's contributor is Andy Parnham, Pastor of Brockley Community Church, London at the time of writing.